infradian rhythms

Question 1

what is an infradian rhythm

Answer 1

a type of biological rhythm with a frequency of less that one cycle in 24 hours such as menstruation and seasonal effective disorder

Question 2

outline SAD

Answer 2

• a depressive disorder which has a seasonal pattern of onset. it is diagnosed as a depressive disorder
• the main symptoms are persistent low mood along side a general lack of activity and interest in life
• symptoms are triggered during winter months when the number of daylight hours becomes shorter- SAD a[[ears to be effected by the exogenous zeitgeibers such as light and darkness
• it is a particular type of infradian rhythm that is subject to a yearly cycle

Question 3

outline menstruation

Answer 3

• example of an infradian rhythm because it has a frequency of less that one cycle in 24 hours. it has a duration of more than 24 hours and can vary between 23-36 days.
• it is regulated by hormones and ovulation takes place roughly half way through the cycle

Question 4

outline McClintock and stern supporting the menstrual cycle

Answer 4

• sample consisted of 29 women with a history of irregular periods, samples of pheromones were gathered from 9 women at different stages of their cycles via a cotton pad placed in their armpit which they wore for at least 8 hours
• the pads were then treated with alcohol and rubbed on the upper lip of the other ppts
• researchers found that 68% experienced changes to their cycle which bought them closer to the cycle of their odour donor
• suggests a woman’s menstrual cycle can be altered by communication with pheromones

Question 5

what is a limitation of McClintock and sterns research (sample)

Answer 5

only used 29 women meaning that their conclusion that a woman’s menstrual cycle can be altered by communication with pheromones may be invalid as the sample may be unrepresentative. however there is also no evidence that this is the case and it reasonable to argue that the small sample alone is not sufficient enough to discount the findings

Question 6

what is a limitation of McClintock and stern (correlational)

Answer 6

this means that they have not proven that a woman’s menstrual cycle can be altered by communication with pheromones as other factors may be involved. however on the other hand there was a clear evidence of a correlation between exposure to exogenous factors and alteration in the menstrual cycle- however its limited due to findings being correlational

Question 7

what is a limitation of McClintock and stern (only 68%)

Answer 7

32% did not experience changes- this is a significant limitation as for them to be unquestioningly accepted a figure closer to 100 would be needed. this suggests individual difference plays a significant role in determining the extent to which a woman’s menstrual cycle can be altered by communication with pheromones

Question 8

what is a limitation of McClintock and stern (methodological issues)

Answer 8

there are many factors which may affect woman’s menstrual cycles including stress, diet and exercise. these may act as confiding variables which means that the pattern of synchronisation observed by m and s may be no more than would be expected to occur by chance